The Ukrainian army could have used the 2S7 Piona powerful self -propelled 203 mmin the war against Russia after a time of relative inactivity. This has been revealed in X an open source intelligence account, which documented this heavy artillery system, which is still one of the most powerful in the Arsenal of Ukraine.
“After a small pause, The 2s7 Ukrainian Pions seem to have re -entered combat. Here they are seen sending a 203 mm projectile to a Russian goal, “the publication stands out.
The 2s7 pion, armed with a 203 mm obús 2a44, is capable of shoot projectiles of more than 100 kilograms at distances greater than 37 kilometerswith a firing speed of A projectile per minute. His chassis, derived from the T-80 tank, gives him a notable Mobility in difficult lands, While your ability to on board includes even four projectilescon Additional vehicle support for extra rounds.
Shortage of ammunition
Although it was designed during the Cold War to load both conventional and nuclear projectiles, its Current use focuses on high -explosive projectilesas the M106 supplied by the US. This projectile, which weighs around 110 kilograms, has a devastating destructive capacity, capable of penetrating hardened objectives before detonation.
However, the availability of such projectiles has become a significant challenge for Ukraine, given the 203 mm ammunition shortage and the rarity of this artillery system.
Historically, the 2s7 pion was Operated by Soviet forces And, later, by the Russians. Ukraine inherited several of these systems after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but 203 mm ammunition reserves have quickly exhausted during the current war conflict.
To replace this fault, Ukraine has resorted to international allies, being the US one of the main M106 projectile suppliers. In addition, countries like Greece They have considered transfer surpluses of ammunitionalthough these transfers are limited by the decrease in stocks in Europe.
“The 203 mm ammunition supply reflects a Strategic decision to take advantage of existing Soviet era platforms in Ukraine and at the same time Integrate Western Munitions“, Michael KofmanSenior Me Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in a recent analysis. However, this support is limited, since the US gradually abandoned its own 203 mm systems decades ago
Ukraine’s capacity to maintain 2S7 pion in operation also depends on the possibility of Adapt your production lines to make 203 mm projectiles. But the Lack of specialized machinery and the iUnderruption in the supply of raw materials They hinder this process greatly.
“Ukraine could, theoretically, adapt its production lines to manufacture ammunition of 203 mm, but this would demand a substantial investment and timetwo things that do not abound in times of war, “he says Oleksandr danylyukformer advisor to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
